Відпустовий центр блаженного Симеона Лукача с.Старуня (повна версія)

So, in the village of Starunya (Ivano-Frankivsk region) a new church was indeed built and consecrated - a unique underground basilica, which became the central part of the Retirement Center of the Blessed Hieromartyr Simeon Lukach. ⸻ New church in Starunya: key • The consecration took place on August 22, 2025, this is one of the most recent events (as of today). • The church is the first underground church of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Ukraine. • The construction of the new building began on October 10, 2022, even during a massive rocket attack (on that very day), the place for construction was consecrated as a symbol of unshakable faith. ⸻ Architecture and symbolism • Architect: Yuriy Kovalchuk, who designed this unique building. • Symbolism: the nave of the church is sunk into the ground — a symbol of the underground period of the UGCC, and the dome “grows” upwards — a symbol of the resurrection of the Church after persecution. • The facade is tower-shaped, similar to the figure of Simeon Lukacs with “inviting hands”, which personifies prayer, spiritual protection and reception. ⸻ Functionality and spiritual significance • It accommodates over 2,000 people, the floor is inclined so that all pilgrims can see the service well. • The church includes a lower chapel (still under construction) and a special chapel for the relics of Blessed Simeon Lukacs. ⸻ Context in the center of Starun • The church is part of the Absolution Center, which was established in 2018. In 2022, it was granted the official status of an absolution center with the right of full absolution from the Apostolic See. • Within the center there is a unique “Garden of New Martyrs”: 35 fruit trees dedicated to the blessed new martyrs with QR codes leading to their biographies have been planted. • Also on the territory: • The largest metal cross in Ukraine (25 m high, 14 m wide), illuminated at night, there is a chapel under it. • Other operating churches: St. Paraskeva-Friday (1908), St. Apostles Peter and Paul (2006), Ascension of the Lord (2013), Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos (2023), and now the Cathedral of Blessed Simeon Lukach (2025). • Sensitive accent: “praying is a spiritual weapon,” says one of the visitors, drawing attention to the role of holy places as spiritual healing, especially during war. ⸻ Who consecrated and who financed • The temple was consecrated by the Head of the UGCC, His Beatitude Sviatoslav (Sviatoslav Shevchuk), in concelebration with numerous bishops and priests from all over Ukraine. • Benefactors - local entrepreneurs, sponsor brothers (Chufus) took on the lion's share of financing and organization, the cathedral became their sacrifice for the community and the Church. • The Patriarch donated icons, in particular, the "Bakhmut Savior", rescued from Bakhmut - a symbol of prayer and blessing for the temple.